When it comes to the Kardashians, it's unlikely that 'role model' is the first thought that springs to mind. It's more likely there will be a sea of disgruntled, crinkled noses than a shared solidarity of mutual respect for the media-hungry reality TV stars.

But in an interview with Sunday Telegraph Magazine, Oscar-winning actress Dame Helen Mirren has praised her pick of 'shameless women' who she believes are redefining beauty, rejecting stereotypes and expressing themselves openly and honestly, in a world where many women are pressured to conform to demure stereotypes.

She praised Kim Kardashian West and Pussy Riot for being 'shameless and proud', for embracing bigger body shapes and rejecting labels like 'slut', wearing what they want and doing what they want.

Mirren said: 'When I was growing up, it was thought to be unbelievably sluttish to even have a bra strap showing. Everything was about women conforming. I love shameless women. Shameless and proud!'

She also revealed that she was inspired by women who had not been 'controlled by being shamed' and were still willing to express themselves in their own distinctive way.

'I love women who have claimed their own bodies: Madonna, Chrissie Hynde, Joan Jett, Bonnie Raitt. I love Pussy Riot more than anything in the world.

'They all raise their middle fingers to this epithet of "slut". They wear what they want to wear, behave as they want to behave.'

When speaking out about Kim Kardashian, she revealed that her famous bottom had been a positive image for young women, promoting a healthy body image as well as boosting body confidence.

'I'm not into the Kardashians, it's a phenomenon I just don't find interesting, but – and this is the big word: B-U-T-T – it's wonderful that you're allowed to have a butt nowadays,' she told the Sunday Telegraph Magazine.

'Thanks to Madame Kardashian, and before her, J-Lo. We're also allowed to have thighs now, which is great too. It's very positive.'

Speaking to the paper in Cannes, Mirren said that, despite her stardom, she sometimes found the glittering events 'terribly intimidating … with all these amazing women – glorious creatures – and their clothes and their make-up'.

'Sometimes you feel wonderful and – it's the same whether you're 13 or 26 or 86 – sometimes you feel insecure and frightened,' she said.

Admittedly, it's great that women in the celeb sphere are confident to express bigger body image and their own sense of personal style but do you agree with Mirren when it comes to the Kardashians?

Whether you're a Kardashian fan or not, Dame Helen has certainly made us think about Kim Kardashian in a whole different light. Role model or shameless sell out? What's your verdict?